Felice Romani wrote the libretto after the tragedy of the same name byAlexandre Soumet.

The author of the opera was only 30 years old at the time of its premiere at La Scala in Milan on 26 December 1831 when the legendary singer Giuditta Pasta made her debut. Often named “the Mozart of Catania” Bellini created 11 extraordinarily beautiful and melodic works for the opera stage. His Norma – the high-priestess of the Druids, is one of the most demanding soprano roles. The action takes place in Gallia during its invasion by the Roman Empire. In contrast with most of the previous works, which present the Romans as the heralds of civilization, in Bellini’s opera they are corrupt exploiters of the Gallic land. David McVicar, a director of great experience, takes the action deep inside the Druids’ woods to enhance the dramatic effect and darker shadows of this tragic story of love and betrayal.